Shinfield Studios receives first planning approval at Thames Valley Science Park

Proposals for a new four stage temporary film studio and associated workshops at the Thames Valley Science Park were approved by Wokingham Borough Councillors in a meeting on 24 March 2021. This first part of Shinfield Studios is backed by a major global film & TV company. Work will start almost immediately, ready for filming to begin in September 2021.

The approval is a major boost for delivering a new ‘Cine Valley' to foster a new film and TV ecosystem. The studios and associated creative and digital hub will provide the opportunity for other businesses to locate to the area, providing new jobs, as well as for the University of Reading to support its long-term plans to benefit students, staff and the local community.

Shinfield Studios will be progressing a planning application for the remainder of the film studio site later in the spring, in consultation with planning officers and local partners.

Samantha Foley, Chief Financial Officer of the University of Reading said: "We are delighted that these studios have been approved, and it will be great to see films emerging onto the international stage from right here on our doorstep. 

"This is just the beginning, as the proposals by Shinfield Studios for the rest of their site at Thames Valley Science Park present an exciting opportunity for the University community and the growing creative industries in Reading, Wokingham and across the UK."

Nick Smith, Joint Managing Director of Shinfield Studios said: “This is great news. We are delighted. We want to thank Wokingham Borough Council for their support as we begin our journey to create a state of the art, 21st century film and television production complex at the Thames Valley Science Park (TVSP) in Shinfield.

“The opportunity to bring a major Hollywood based production company to the UK, and specifically to Wokingham and Shinfield was presented to us just before Christmas 2020. However, to realise this ambition, these facilities need to be built and ready for use by September 2021 at the latest, the planning approval means we can get on and deliver this first stage of our plans.”